Description
1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary engined 500cc. 25500 miles and increasing as used.
A original Uk import in 1975, and one of the few 44 original bikes sold in the UK. (numbers not confirmed but gathered via the RE5 forum).
I am the 2nd owner, show showing one previous owner on the V5, and have owned it for 10 years.
The bike is used every year between April and October, and the odd dry day in the winter. It is a reliable and unique machine that requires nothing, no recommissioning or upgrading.
If you want to talk to new people and answer questions about the only Japanese production rotary, this is the bike for you.
The bike arrived in my garage stripped and unknown but my first rotary project. (I build/ rebuild classics for a hobby)
Upon reassembly it became apparent the bike had come off the road due to the failure of the CDI, the Re5 forum gave instructions on repair and upgrade of internal components, this was actioned and the CDI is now full of more reliable components and working).
While reassembling and inspecting it, the brakes had stainless pistons and seals/ pads replaced, Master Cylinder was resealed.
Forks polished and resealed and serviced.
Radiator was flushed, hoses replaced as required.
Paint work was done by Dream machine, and is very good, no orange peel, and painted decals.
Front and rear mudguards were rechromed.
Exhaust behive ( the air-cooled collector/ header) was replaced due to wear to the studs and fittings.
Spark plug fitting upgrade carried out with modern easily resourced R1 plug fitted.
A rare rear luggage rack was located and fitted.
Original number plate.
3 years ago the bike became a little hesitant to start, so I sent it to Roger Jones , the RE5 man. He replaced the side seal “O” rings rotor apex and tip seals and the green clock cover and clear clock screen.
The side plate seals are now 40 years old on these bikes so they are prone to have hardened due to the heat generated by the wankle design, so if they have not been done then you can presume they will need doing in the near future. The modern Viton replacements should last the life of the bike now.
He also inspected the entire bike, set up the carb and replaced the internal seals and gaskets and gave it a clean bill of health.
Compression test was carried out and was good, and has got better as the bike was re-run in.
This was approximately 1000 miles ago.
Two replacement tyres fitted, but these are now worn, but serviceable due to the 6000 miles I have covered on the bike since!.
The bike wears its age well, its not overly restored, the alloy engine parts have been polished, there are a couple of small chips in the tank, and the spokes have some surface rust.
It starts up first time, every time as long as you know the procedure to correctly start and warms up and idles as expected.
All electrics work correctly including the digital gear indicator.
All in all a super classic collectors / riders bike that handles well for its age and always attracts attention where ever it goes.
The photos of the engine strip and build can be seen here:
Selling because I have another project in the wings and something has to go!
